Graduation

I am finally done!!! On Friday I graduated with my Master's in Nursing Administration, and I could not be more excited to be finished! Thanks to Kevin, Oakley, Brad, and my parents for coming out to support me on my big day. Also a huge thanks to my family for all of the support they gave me while in school. I couldn't have done it without them!

Me and Oakley

Me and my parents - they are always extremely supportive and I am so grateful for them.

Me, Kevin, Oakley, and my father-in-law.

Me and my family!!!

The group of people I graduated with (minus Jos because she is a bum and didn't come - I hope you read this Jos :). I didn't go to the actual commencement ceremony, but I did go to the hooding ceremony. Which was perfect - 30 minutes long and refreshments after!

Friends and Christmas

We just had our annual Friend Christmas Party, and had a blast!!! Every year me and "my girls" get together with our hubbies for dinner, a white elephant exchange, games, and a fabulous time! I love it, and look forward to it every year. Thanks Holly for hosting. Here are some picture from the night, I didn't get everyone because my camera is really old and takes a lot of blurry pictures, sorry.

Sheena and Holly

Random: Kevin and Amy!

Even more random: Tiffanie, Tyson, and Katie

This picture makes me laugh - a lot. I will keep who is behind the bag a secret :)

Crafty

As most of you know I love hair bows on baby girls - who doesn't? I get asked all the time if I make them, which the answer is almost always no. I did attempt it a few months back and it was a disaster, so I decided it was best to buy them. Well, Oakley had a few outfits that didn't have a matching bow (which is tragic in my book, ha ha), so I decided try one more time to make one. This time it turned out a lot better, so much better that I thought I might start making my bows from here on out. It is A LOT cheaper, but fairly time consuming. Maybe if I have another girl one day I will make her bows...

Memories for Me

I have a few recent pictures that are not of anything in particular, but they are some memories I would like to keep :)

Kevin gave me this bear while we were dating (he took me to build-a-bear), and Oakley has found it and loves it. She drags it all over the house with her - it's really funny.

This is the best shot I could get of Oakley walking

Oakley had these super fun boots on before she was walking very well, and it was so funny to watch her try. I realize that you can't tell in the picture, but it really was funny!

We set up Oakley's carseat in the kitchen before installing it in the car. She saw it and immediately sat in it, and wouldn't get out until we took her out. I guess we should have given it to her for Christmas :)

I chased Oakley around the house all day on her birthday trying to get a good picture of her - this is the best I got!

Stats and Walking

I am saying it's official; Oakley is walking! She is still very unstable, but she nows walks where she wants to go (instead of walking for a little ways, falling, and then finally crawling to her destination). She still falls a lot, but now she gets up and continues to walk. It's actually really fun and really adorable. I have loved all of her stages so far, I just wish they didn't end so quickly :)

Oakley also had a Dr. appointment recently. She is doing great; growing and developing as she should. Here are her 1 year stats:

Height - 30.5 inches (95th percentile)

Weight - 20 pounds (30th percentile)

Head - 17.5 (25th percentile)

Movie Review

Me and my mom decided to go see New Moon at the last minute tonight (don't worry Lacey - we can still go see it sometime :). We saw the first one together and were both unimpressed, so we didn't have high expectations for this movie. Luckily it was better than the first, and we both enjoyed it. Thanks mom for the late night out!

My review of New Moon (the movie):

Much better than the book. I didn't like the book because I thought Bella was way too depressed, and I felt bad for Jacob (I thought Bella was unfair to him). The movie was not as depressing, but I now feel even worse for Jacob than I did after reading the book. I was wishing good riddance to Edward, and thought Bella should stay with Jacob (plus Jacob is so delicious in the movie!!!). However, I still came to the same conclusion that I came after reading the book. Bella is too boring and dramatic for Jacob which makes her and Edward a better match (I think Edward is just as boring), and Jacob deserves to be happy with someone else (I realize that happens in the last book, but I hate how it all plays out in that book). Overall, I enjoyed the movie and would probably see this one again!

Thanksgiving Weekend

This year we went to Idaho for Thanksgiving to spend time with my family, and we had a blast! We enjoyed a fabulous turkey dinner, a suspenseful game of lightening, watching football, card games, early morning shopping, time with family, and finally a trip to Lava for some relaxation. It was a really fun! I love spending time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins!!! Here are some pictures:

Oakley refusing to look at the camera - let alone smile :)

Baby Caleb enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner

Christopher singing a Turkey song - so cute!!!

Uncle Lance and Oakley - Lance gave Oakley two rubber duckies for her birthday. She loved them, and carried the little one around with her almost the entire night!

Oakley enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner

Me getting out while playing lightening (at least it wasn't an air ball)

Kevin down to the final two - this is a pretty big deal in my family, and I was very proud of him :)

The family playing Lightening

Oakley, her rubber duckies, Kevin, and Lance

Oakley riding in her big girl car seat (I was sitting next to her, so it was hard to get a good picture)

Me, my aunts, and some cousins got up early to get some shopping done after Thanksgiving. We didn't see any deals we couldn't live without in the adds, so we decided to just head over and get some socks for 50% off. Well...we all came home with more than just socks, and I think my mom takes home the prize for the most money spent :) Oakley didn't join us early in the morning, but we went back for some more shopping later that day, and she did join us then!

When we finally got home, I worked on getting the Christmas decorations up while Oakley watched and played. She got a doll for her birthday, and I have been genuinely surprised as to how much she plays with the doll. She loves it! It is absolutely darling!!!

November 30th

I am thankful for my Savior and the many blessing he has given me (family, friends, the gospel, health, safety, an American citizen, etc). Merry Christmas!!!

November 29th

I am thankful that I took the time this month to write down what I was thankful for. It made me realize how truly blessed I am.

November 28th

I am thankful that I can put up my Christmas Tree, I love this time of year and am always excited to put up my tree :)

November 27th

I am thankful for after Thanksgiving shopping with my mom, aunts, and cousins. We have done this for years (when we are all together), and I always have a good time, even considering the craziness of the after holiday shoppers.

November 26th

I am thankful for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I love getting together with family, and I am always grateful for an excuse to do so :)

Birthday Bash

For Oakley's first birthday we had a pool party, and had a great time!!! Here are a few pictures from our fun night!

Oakley at the end of the night (you can see how tired she was). Happy Birthday baby girl! We love you so much and are so grateful you have become part of our family!

I made Oakley's baby book and gave it to her for her big birthday.

Birthday Cake (this had already been cut into, we were trying to salvage it for a picture - which is why you can see some flaws :)

Swimming

Opening presents

Eating cake - Oakley had no interest in digging into her cake

I had to post this picture because it makes me laugh to see my brother-in-law (Chase) in the corner!

A whole year

y baby recently turned one year old!!! I can't believe it. Time has gone by so fast, I just hope that I am taking advantage of the time I have with her as a baby and little girl.

1 Day Old

1 Month Old

2 Months Old

3 Months Old

4 Months Old

5 Months Old

6 Months Old

7 Months Old

8 Months Old

9 Months Old

10 Months Old

11 Months Old

1 Year Old!!!

November 25th

I am thankful for my beautiful baby girl. She makes me so happy, and I love her so much!!!